Overview: AS Roma vs Athletic Bilbao

AS Roma vs Athletic Bilbao could be a very intense meeting of two well-established European clubs. Roma, having been known for their Italian defensive root, stand to confront their Spanish opposition from Athletic. The Spaniards have demonstrated a high-pressing culture and physicality in recent seasons, leading to non-stop high-energy games. Thus, it is likely to witness exactly such kind of game, which belongs to the group of those well-remembered games that stir excitement among fans from both sides. One can only expect a high-energy bout of tactical discipline and creativeness that could very well become one of the key moments of the football season.

• Match: AS Roma vs Athletic Bilbao
• Match Number: Matchday 2
• Date and Time: 27 September 2024, 12:30 AM
• Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy

SWOT Analysis: AS Roma against Athletic Bilbao

Strengths:

AS Roma has a highly organized defence and disciplined midfield. Meanwhile, their playmakers seem to cope with the experience providing their team with an advantage in moments when it is crucial to regulate the tempo of the game. The team is playing at home, and the fans are passionate surely helping them quite often to feel confident in their stadium.

Weaknesses:
However, the Roma’s attack has been their main issue of concern. It has been discovered that they at times lack the dynamics to break down a well-drilled defence. High-pressing has worked well for their opponents, and the work is made easier when facing a team like Bilbao that makes mistakes when pressured.

Opportunities:
Then, should Bilbao’s high-pressing approach take on an almost uncontrollably aggressive shape, then the Roma can maximize their counter-attacking opportunities, most of which can involve set pieces, which are perhaps also the visitors’ weakest point.

Threats:
Tight marking can force Roma’s defenders to make the same mistakes that play into their opponents’ hands. Also, if forced into losing the ball, the hosts are likely to foul their overly strong opponents, creating dangerous situations that lead to goals off-set pieces.

SWOT Analysis: Athletic Bilbao against AS Roma

Strengths:

Athletic Bilbao relies heavily on a high-pressing game, as they always put pressure on the opponents. The team is very physical and energetic, excelling in winning aerial duels. Therefore, the Athletic Bilbao can effectively counterattack and play in the defence or during set-pieces.

Weaknesses:

Bilbao’s weakness is that its offensive system is not creative. They can be good at scoring goals, but feature strong defensive skills, meaning that they could be vulnerable to set-pieces. Furthermore, their high pressing could expose them to break goals in case the opposing team places a deep-lying defence or uses fast counter-attack players.

Opportunities:
The main opportunities for Bilbao will include waiting for the mistakes of Roma’s defence under high pressure and effectively using the advantage in aerial duels or set-pieces.

Threats:
If Bilbao loses its pressure points and gives Roma adequate time to manoeuvre through the defence, then Bilbao is in for a tough game. Bilbao’s away game could be very tricky, because the team may not be comfortable with the game’s tempo.

Comparison & Prediction:

AS Roma and Athletic Bilbao is an interesting matchup, with both sides having unique styles and specific strengths, but AS Roma playing at home tends to be a slightly stronger team. Specifically, the capacity of Roma to control the game’s tempo and the experience of their midfield that remains tactically aware may make this team a powerful opponent. In such a way, aggressive players with skills in pressing, such as those from Bilbao, who will also have no real possibility to attack immediately, will put much pressure on their defence, which opens new opportunities for Roma. The home-field advantage is also important as passionate Italian fans usually create an electric atmosphere, which plays a significant role. Therefore, it is possible to expect that the most possible and appropriate winner of this game is AS Roma.